Mouth

Chemotherapy and radiotherapy act on the cancerous tumour, but also on rapidly dividing cells like those of the mucous membrane in the mouth and digestive tract. Your gums, the inside of your cheeks, your palate, tongue and throat may become more fragile.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane in the mouth is known as mucositis. There are one or more symptoms - irritation, swelling, a burning sensation, mouth ulcers – and these are sometimes accompanied by difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking.